Monday Check Off & A Solid Front Hall Plan

On Friday I posted a "to-do" list for what I needed to get done over the weekend. I love that I did this, because it meant that I didn't end up languishing on the couch thinking "I can do all of those things next weekend". I tackled that list and although it may have been a tad too ambitious, most jobs were checked off.

Let's revisit the list:

1) Pick up paint test pots of 2-3 various shades of blush pink for front hall. Done
 
2) Source brass curtain rod for my mom's ongoing den makeover. Done 

3) Sand & prime trim moulding for two interior doors in front hall. Done
  
4) Prime both interior doors in front hall. Done
 
5) Cut to length all trim for both doors. Incomplete. Distracted by Golden Globes red carpet.

Testing paints in the front hall was interesting. Within seconds of brushing it on, I knew that the blush pink wasn't going to work. The colour was so soft that it didn't show up at all, so immediately I returned to my original plan of Farrow & Ball's Brockhampton Star wallpaper. I tested Para's Aspen Valley in a few spots and I gotta say, I was mucho happy with the look:

The Aspen Valley is a hint lighter than the wallpaper, which is for the

best since the front entry hall doesn't get much natural light:

Here's the plan to combine the paint and wallpaper. Wallpaper is expensive, but with this idea, I'll only need to purchase one roll, keeping the project budget friendly. The plan is to trim out the front entry wall (already done!) and hallway doors (working on it!), paint everything out in Aspen Valley, then install wallpaper within the moldings. Easy peasy, right?

My goal is to get this done and dry before this year's Oscar party which happens the weekend of February 22nd. I think I can, I think I can!!

Sarah's House 4: Entry, Mudroom & Powder Room

This first of this week's back to back episodes of Sarah's House 4 highlighted the front entry, mudroom and powder room. One of the first decisions for the entry and front hallway was to select flooring. Unenthusiastic about the builder's plan to lay standard ceramic tiles from front to back, Sarah and Tommy decided to upgrade the flooring in this area. They chose to spend a small sum ($549) to get a big impact just inside the front door, using cipollino marble tiles to add a wow factor. When I visited the space, I oohed and aahed over these tiles, proving the importance of a good first impression!!

Cipollino Bianco Tile

To create flow throughout the main level, Sarah chose to upgrade the flooring to a pewter stained hardwood. For paint colours in this area, Sarah chose to accentuate the opposite ends of the hallway by using a darker shade on the front door wall and kitchen entrance, while selecting a light, bright, welcoming colour along the hallway walls and up the stairs.

Vintage Pioneered Hardwood
Red Oak Estates Pewter:

Side Walls: Para Paints, SR5, Bubbles:

End Walls: Para Paints, SR58, Elephant:

Since the front hall is wide and long, Sarah was able to place two Jordan benches in the vestibule, along with a gorgeous custom credenza for storage and an occasional chair. A statement piece of artwork above the credenza creates an interesting focal point. Of course again we see Sarah's signature mix of fabrics, although limited to just three in this space, with a crewel, a zigzag and a lyrical woven.

Vestibule Fabric Scheme:

Just off the front entrance, a hall with coat closet serves as a mudroom. Tommy and Sarah select a slate tile for the floors, but because the colour in these natural tiles is extremely varied, they must be careful to choose just the tiles that work well together. On the walls, tongue in groove paneling topped off with a fiery orange paint colour creates an interesting sight line to the powder room. Hooks provide a spot where children can easily hang coats and school bags.

Tartuga Oro Slate Tile:

Mudroom Walls: Para Paints, SR37, Clay:

In the small powder room, there is an opportunity to use a wallpaper that would be overwhelming in a larger space. Sarah chose this bird print for a bit of whimsy and a splash of colour - notice how the birds in the paper are picked up by the paint colour used in the hallway.

Schumacher A-Twitter:

Since the pedestal sink and toilet take up most of the floor space in this room, Tommy goes on the hunt for a small shelf where guests can set down a cell phone or clutch bag. This vintage Moroccan piece from The Door Store is just the right size for the space.

All room photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Did you watch this episode? What did you think?